Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near Atlanta GA 30301 - Find X-Ray and Radiology Tech Schools

How to Find a Radiologic Tech School near Atlanta Georgia

Atlanta GA x-ray tech internship program Congrats on your career choice to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Atlanta GA so you can become a radiology technician. And now that you have decided to enter the satisfying field of healthcare, how do you tackle selecting the ideal school and program so that you will obtain the proper training to become a skilled practitioner? And since the majority of states do require that x-ray technicians become licensed, depending on where you subsequently practice you may require training to pass a licensing test. So it’s essential that you investigate each of the colleges you are looking at so that you can evaluate each program. Many prospective students begin by searching for technical schools or colleges that are within commuting distance of their residences. Next, they compare tuition and often gravitate toward the lowest cost. But while expense and location should be taken into account, there are additional critical qualifiers also. For example, you must ask whether or not the radiology tech schools have earned accreditation, or if they offer internship programs. These inquiries and others you should ask the colleges you are considering are presented later in this post. But first, let’s discuss what a x-ray technician does and the credentials and education choices that are offered.

Radiology Technician Job Description

There are multiple professional titles for x-ray techs (technologists or technicians). They can also be referred to as radiologic technicians or technologists, radiology technicians or radiographers. Irrespective of the name, they all have the identical major job function, which is to use imaging machines to internally visualize patients for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment. A number of radiologic technologists might also administer radiation therapy for treating cancer. Some opt to perform as generalists, while others may choose a specialty, for example mammography. They can work in Atlanta GA hospitals, clinics, family practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray technologist might utilize include:

Traditional and specialized X-Rays
Computerized tomography (CT) or “CAT” scans
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
Sonography or ultrasound
Fluoroscopy

Radiographers must take care of their equipment plus regularly evaluate its performance and safety. They are additionally required to keep in-depth records of all of their diagnostic procedures. As Atlanta GA medical practitioners, they must adhere to a code of conduct and a high professional standard.

X-Ray Tech Degrees Offered

x-ray machine in Atlanta GA The standard requirement for enrolling in a radiology tech college is to have attained a high school diploma or GED. Radiologic technologist pupils have the choice to earn either an Associate Degree or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most prevalent among techs, normally requires 18 months to two years to complete based upon the program and course load. A Bachelor’s Degree will take longer at up to 4 years to finish and is more extensive in scope. The majority of students select a degree major in Radiography, but there are other related majors that may be appropriate also. One thing to bear in mind is that Atlanta GA radiographer schools have a practical training or lab component as a component of their course of study. It may typically be fulfilled by participating in an externship program which a large number of schools offer through local hospitals and clinics in their region. After you have graduated from one of the degree programs, you must abide by any licensing or certification requirements in Georgia or the state you will be working as applicable.

X-ray Technician Certification and Licensing

Once you have graduated from an x-ray technician school, depending on the state where you will be employed you may need to become licensed. The majority of states do mandate licensing, and their prerequisites differ so get in touch with your state. Presently, all states that do require licensure will recognize The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification examination for the purpose of licensing, but many offer other options for testing also. Some states also require certification as a component of the licensing process, otherwise it is voluntary. Having said that, many Atlanta GA employers would rather hire radiology techs that are certified so it could enhance your career options to become certified. ARRT’s certification program requires graduation from an approved program in addition to a passing score on their rigorous exam. ARRT also demands re-certification every other year, which can be satisfied with 24 credits of continuing ed, or by passing an exam.

Online Radiology Technician Colleges

attending x-ray tech school online in Atlanta 30301 As a part of every degree program, x-ray tech colleges will have clinical or lab training included in their curriculum. This is no different for online degree colleges. So while you can still earn your online degree, a significant amount of the training will be completed either in a school lab or in an externship off-campus. Practical training is often provided in regional family practices, medical clinics or hospitals in sponsorship with the schools. However the online portion of the training may be attended in the privacy of your Atlanta GA home. Students who continue working while obtaining their degree often discover that the online approach to education is far more practical with their hectic schedules. Plus online programs are often cheaper than on-campus alternatives. In addition to lower tuition, costs for study materials and commuting may be lessened also. But just make certain that the online college you choose is accredited (more on the benefits of accreditation later). So if you are disciplined enough to learn with this less formalized style of training, then an online degree may be the right choice for you.

What to Ask Radiographer Schools

As soon as you have selected the kind of degree that you want to obtain, you can initiate the process of locating and evaluating Atlanta GA x-ray technician schools. You will also need to determine if you want to attend online classes or drive to a nearby campus. If you opt for the latter, then naturally the location of the school will be relevant. The cost of tuition and secondary expenses will be a determining variable also. But in addition to cost and location, what else should you factor in when evaluating colleges? Well, you need to ask if the colleges are accredited, and if they provide internship or externship programs. To help you uncover some of these crucial details prior to making your decision, we have put together a list of questions that you should ask the colleges you are assessing.

Are the Radiology Tech Schools Accredited? The majority of xray technician schools have acquired some form of accreditation, whether regional or national. However, it’s still important to confirm that the program and school are accredited. One of the most highly respected accrediting organizations in the field of radiology is the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). Schools receiving accreditation from the JRCERT have undergone a detailed evaluation of their instructors and educational materials. If the program is online it can also earn accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets online or distance learning. All accrediting organizations should be recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. In addition to guaranteeing a superior education, accreditation will also help in acquiring financial assistance and student loans, which are many times not accessible for non-accredited schools. Accreditation can also be a pre-requisite for certification and licensing as required. And many Atlanta GA employers will only hire a graduate of an accredited college for entry-level jobs.

Are Internship Programs Provided? Find out if the Georgia radiology technician schools you are reviewing have associations with local hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Not only are internships a terrific way to get hands on training in a clinical setting, they are also a means to fulfill the clinical training requirement for most programs. As an ancillary benefit, they may assist graduates and students establish professional relationships in the Atlanta GA healthcare community and help with obtaining employment.

Is Job Placement Assistance offered? You will most likely wish to secure employment quickly after graduating, but finding that initial job in a new field can be difficult without help. Ask if the radiographer schools you are interviewing have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are a good indication that the schools have sizable networks and great relationships with Atlanta GA healthcare employers. It also confirms that their graduates are highly regarded and sought after.

Where is the School Located? For a number of students, the college they decide on will need to be within travelling distance of their Atlanta GA residence. Individuals who have decided to attend classes online naturally will not have to trouble themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of area internships will be of concern. One thing to consider is that if you decide to enroll in a school that is out of state or perhaps out of your local area, you might be required to pay a higher tuition. State colleges normally charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges frequently charge a higher tuition to those students that don’t reside within their districts.

How Large are the Classes ? Unless you are the kind of person that prefers to sit far in the back of class or get lost in the crowd, you will likely prefer a small class size. Small classes enable more individual participation and personalized instruction. Ask the Atlanta GA schools you are considering what the typical teacher to student ratio is for their classrooms. If practical you may want to sit in on one or more classes before making your ultimate determination. This will also give you a chance to talk with several of the instructors and students to get their perspectives regarding the radiology technician program also.

Can the Program Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you must verify that the radiographer program you finally choose can furnish the class schedule you need. This is particularly important if you choose to continue working while attending school. If you must schedule evening or weekend classes in Atlanta GA, verify that they are available. If you can only enroll on a part-time basis, verify if that is an option and how many credit hours or courses you would need to carry. Also, ask what the procedure is for making up any classes that you might miss because of illness, work or family emergencies.

Why Did You Want to Become a Radiology Technician?

When preparing to interview for an X-Ray Tech position, it's important to reflect on questions you may be asked. One of the questions that interviewers often ask radiographer applicants is "What drove you to decide on radiography as a career?". What the interviewer is trying to learn is not only the personal reasons you might have for becoming a radiology technician, but additionally what characteristics and abilities you possess that make you good at your profession. You will undoubtedly be asked questions relating exclusively to radiography, as well as a certain number of routine interview questions, so you should organize some ideas about how you want to answer them. Given that there are so many variables that go into selecting a career, you can answer this fundamental question in a number of ways. When readying an answer, try to include the reasons the profession interests you as well as the strengths you possess that make you an excellent X-Ray tech and the perfiect candidate for the job. Don't try to memorize an answer, but jot down a few concepts and anecdotes that pertain to your personal strengths and experiences. Reading through sample responses can help you to prepare your own concepts, and inspire ideas of what to discuss to wow the recruiter.

Pick the Ideal X-Ray Tech Program near Atlanta GA

Selecting the appropriate x-ray tech college is an important first step toward starting a rewarding new career furnishing diagnostic medical services to patients. The ideal radiologic technologist must be in good physical condition. Radiology techs frequently stand for the greater part of the working day and position and in some cases lift the patient to obtain the proper image. Candidates must also demonstrate an ability to pay close attention to detail and to follow the safety guidelines developed to protect both the patient and the medical team. X-Ray techs work very closely with patients, other techs as well as the radiologists and other doctors. Possessing interpersonal skills is a necessity in order to have a good work environment and deliver the best available patient care. As we have addressed in this article, there are several questions that you should ask each school you are considering before making your final decision. This is just as true whether you enroll in an online program or travel to classes on-campus. By asking the appropriate questions you can examine and compare each program so you can focus your options and make your final choice. And with the appropriate training and your motivation to be successful, you can realize your goal to work as a radiographer in Atlanta GA.

Some Background on Atlanta Georgia

Atlanta

Atlanta (/ætˈlæntə/) is the capital and most populous city of the state of Georgia in the United States. With an estimated 2016 population of 472,522,[12] it is the cultural and economic center of the Atlanta metropolitan area, home to 5.7 million people and the ninth-largest metropolitan area in the United States.[6] Atlanta is the seat of Fulton County and a small portion of the city extends eastward into DeKalb County.

Atlanta was founded as a transportation hub at the intersection of two railroad lines in 1837. After being mostly burned to the ground during the American Civil War, the city rose from its ashes to become a national center of commerce and the unofficial capital of the "New South". During the 1960s, Atlanta became a major organizing center of the Civil Rights Movement, with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Ralph David Abernathy, and many other locals playing major roles in the movement's leadership. In the decades following, the city earned a reputation as "too busy to hate" for the relatively progressive views of its citizens and leaders compared to other cities in the "Deep South".[13] During the modern era, Atlanta has attained international prominence as a major air transportation hub, with Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport being by far the world's busiest airport since 1998.[14][15][16][17]

Atlanta is rated a "beta(+)" world city that exerts a moderate impact on global commerce, finance, research, technology, education, media, art, and entertainment.[18] It ranks 18th among world cities and 7th in the nation with a gross domestic product of $320 billion.[19][20] Atlanta's economy is considered diverse, with dominant sectors that include logistics, professional and business services, media operations, and information technology.[21] Atlanta has topographic features that include rolling hills and dense tree coverage, earning it the nickname of "the city in a forest."[22]Revitalization of Atlanta's neighborhoods, initially spurred by the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta, has intensified in the 21st century, altering the city's demographics, politics, and culture.[23][24]

Prior to the arrival of European settlers in north Georgia, Creek Indians inhabited the area.[25]Standing Peachtree, a Creek village located where Peachtree Creek flows into the Chattahoochee River, was the closest Indian settlement to what is now Atlanta.[26] As part of the systematic removal of Native Americans from northern Georgia from 1802 to 1825,[27] the Creek were forced to leave the area in 1821,[28] and white settlers arrived the following year.[29]

In 1836, the Georgia General Assembly voted to build the Western and Atlantic Railroad in order to provide a link between the port of Savannah and the Midwest.[30] The initial route was to run southward from Chattanooga to a terminus east of the Chattahoochee River, which would then be linked to Savannah. After engineers surveyed various possible locations for the terminus, the "zero milepost" was driven into the ground in what is now Five Points. A year later, the area around the milepost had developed into a settlement, first known as "Terminus," and later as "Thrasherville" after a local merchant who built homes and a general store in the area.[31] By 1842, the town had six buildings and 30 residents and was renamed "Marthasville" to honor the Governor's daughter. Later, J. Edgar Thomson, Chief Engineer of the Georgia Railroad, suggested the town be renamed "Atlantica-Pacifica," which was shortened to "Atlanta".[32] The residents approved, and the town was incorporated as Atlanta on December 29, 1847.[33]